Official: Couch fires, arrests after Ky NCAA loss

Published April 08. 2014 6:00AM | Updated April 08. 2014 6:32AM

Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Police in Lexington used tear gas to control rowdy fans and several couch fires were lit in the streets after Kentucky fell to Connecticut in the NCAA basketball championship final.

Government official Susan Straub, said at least 17 couch fires were lit overnight in the State Street area of Lexington and there were 18 injuries, most of them minor and treated at the scene. She confirmed seven arrests but had no further details in releasing a statement early Tuesday.

She said in the statement that one of the injured was hit by a train in the State Street area and taken to a hospital. She had no further word on that person's condition or identity.

Shirtless youths streamed into the streets and lit fires soon after Kentucky's 60-54 loss to Connecticut on Monday night. Some were crying and others hugging after the defeat. The crowd continued to grow after the game despite a chilly, rain-soaked night in the Lexington area.

Reports said some fights broke out and bottles were thrown, but that police used tear gas to control the most unruly fans before the crowd dispersed overnight.